Aston Martin reveals its new DBS Superleggera

First pictures of the new 211mph twin-turbo V12 super GT that replaces the Vanquish S – and revives not one but two historic names

Aston Martin has revived two of its most famous names for its new DBS Superleggera flagship super GT – DBS, which first appeared in 1967, and coachbuilder Touring’s famous ‘super-lightweight’ Superleggera trademark, which defined the construction of the DB4, 5 and 6 Mk1.

The new 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 model replaces the Vanquish S as Aston Martin’s flagship super-GT. It produces 725PS, 900Nm of torque, has a top speed of 211mph, and achieves 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds and 0-100mph in 6.4 seconds. The 50-100mph sprint in fourth gear is covered in 4.2 seconds.

See also...

The DBS Superleggera uses carbon-fibre body panels and incorporates the aerodynamic innovations first seen on the DB11, such as the curlicue and Aeroblade, but adds an F1-inspired double diffuser. It generates 180kg of downforce at top speed, the highest figure ever for a series production Aston Martin, although it’s said that this comes with no additional drag penalty.

Its chassis is an evolution of the lightweight bonded-aluminium structure first seen on the DB11, with forged double wishbones at the front and a multi-link system at the rear. Adaptive damping is fitted as standard, with sensors detecting driving conditions, as well as the way it’s being driven.

The 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine is set low and as far back in the chassis as possible for weight distribution. It’s tuned for huge torque, as befits a top-end grand tourer, developing its 725PS at 6500rpm and the full 900Nm of torque from 1800 right through to 5000rpm.

The exhaust’s active valves and quad tailpipes are said to give the new model ‘a commanding and powerful sound character, particularly in the more aggressive dynamic modes, while retaining a level of refinement and civility that complements its role as the consummate Super GT’.

The DBS Superleggera’s transmission is a new rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic, featuring a mechanical limited-slip differential and torque vectoring, with a lower final drive for explosive in-gear acceleration. Both the powertrain and chassis have a choice of three selectable dynamic modes: GT, Sport and Sport Plus.

Leather and Alcantara upholstery comes as standard, as do Sports Plus seats and steering wheel. Two alloy-wheel designs are available, the standard ‘Y’ Spoke forged wheel and a Lightweight Twin Spoke forged rim. Both are 21in diameter and use specifically developed Pirelli tyres.

‘DBS Superleggera not only marks the return of a great Aston Martin name, but signals our return to the very pinnacle of the Super GT sector,’ says Aston Martin president and chief executive officer Dr Andy Palmer. ‘Handsome beyond measure, its lightweight carbon composite and aluminium body is sculpted into a shape with tremendous presence and charisma.

‘Thanks to the remarkable torque available from its twin-turbo V12, DBS Superleggera also packs a breath-taking punch, yet its dynamics have been carefully honed to engage drivers of all ability levels. Immaculately styled, obsessively engineered and outrageously potent, the new DBS Superleggera is every inch the Aston Martin flagship.’

The new models is priced from £225,000 in the UK, €274,995 in Germany and $304,995 in the USA.